PTI holds nationwide protests against rigging

Vows to persist in protesting until 'stolen mandate' is restored

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, spearheaded nationwide protests on Friday, decrying alleged rigging and vote fraud in the by-polls conducted on April 21 across two dozen national and provincial assembly seats.

Vowing to persist until their mandate is reinstated, PTI supporters rallied in several cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad, responding fervently to the party's call to action.

Under the local leadership of the PTI, hundreds of male and female protesters flooded the streets, brandishing party flags and carrying portraits of Imran Khan, while demanding his release from incarceration. Demonstrators showcased solidarity by donning masks featuring Khan's likeness, amplifying their message against what they perceived as electoral injustice.

PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen spearheaded the protest rally in Islamabad, kicking it off with an address after workers began assembling outside his office.

A prisoner van and lady police officers also arrived at the location. According to police officials, 500 police personnel were stationed to thwart any instigation during the protest. Access to the red zone and road blockage was strictly prohibited by the police.

Ahead of the Friday demonstrations, the Islamabad Capital Territory police preemptively enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), prohibiting large gatherings to preserve public order.

"Strict action will be taken against those who breach the law," declared the police in a social media announcement. "Road blockades and disruptions to normalcy will not be tolerated. The law applies to all, and transgressions will be met with consequences."

Meanwhile, the police continued cracking down on PTI workers. They stormed the camp of PTI ticket holder from PP-151 Malik Hamad Ali Awan, according to police sources. Police also visited the election office of PP-149 ticket holder Hafiz Zeeshan. In Shahdara, the police made a move on the residence of ticket holder Yasir Gilani.